Hebrew FAIL!

So once again my lack of understanding of the Hebrew language fails me.  I went to sleep so late last night but still got up early in the morning after only 4.5 hours of sleep.  I played on facebook for a while and then went to say ‘good morning’ to Jaklin.  She was digging through her moving boxes and I asked her why.  She said she accidentally packed her good shoes for the wedding.  I asked when the wedding was and from what she said I thought the wedding was tonight.  So I rushed out to see if I could find a dress to wear.  I found a cute skirt but when I came home exhausted and in need for a nap I asked my mother in law what time the wedding was tonight.  She said no, no, next week. 

Woops.  Another interlingual misunderstanding. 

Slacker!!

I realized I had been slacking in my blogging duties so I decided to update my blog using my Facebook status updates as a guide.

Sounds of Paradise

It rained tonight. I mean pouring down in buckets Florida style. I don't think any sound has been so beautiful in all my three months here. A good pouring rain really makes me miss home.

New Moon

I have to admit... I'm quite excited about Twilight: New Moon coming out on December 10th here in Israel. I've already re-read the first two books and watched the first movie again and now I'm ready. I just have to wait 4 more days. Ugh! I dunno if I can wait. It's so tempting to watch it online instead. Especially when movies here are over $10 per person. But I will resist. This is something meant for the BIG screen. Yay!

Loneliness

It’s hard not to be lonely here.  Both without my love and without my friends I find it quite difficult.  Placed in a country (by my own choice mind you) that barely speaks my language and I theirs, it becomes a struggle just to find daily comfort.  My family here is warm enough, though their companionship at times can be more a nuisance than a comfort.  Still the people are less comforting.  The women and girls stare daggers at me, either with vapid jealousy at my blonde hair and light eyes, or else their disgust at my obvious outsider appearance.  The men here often do stare at me.  Though I am not a skinny thing anymore, I have enhanced my assets quite a bit and it is often the object of many stares.  It does not matter that I cover up beyond their vision.  Their imaginations run wild with possibilities as men's minds often do.  I smile sweetly as is the custom in America when one grants you with a flattering or kind look.  Here however, those pleasantries are not only unobserved, but when given, you are looked upon as a beggar or vagrant with a look of “what the hell do you want?”  and a prompt turn away of the eyes.  These people, however inexpressively kind they are to friends and family are quite the opposite with strangers.  This is what plagues and stirs my loneliness.  I have friends in this country, but as I am very far south from any of them, they have no reason or cause to visit.  As I am too far out of the way.  Traveling, or rather eating and lodging while out of town is quite expensive and I have only ventured to do it a few times, either for the day or with a friend or family member to impose upon for a nights rest.  Thus is my predicament until I return home.  I suppose it is my price for my time spent in such a beautiful country as this.

A Rocket In Be’er Sheva …. or Not.

My heart just about dropped out of my chest just now. 

Here in the middle east anything can happen in a matter of moments.  What you thought was a time of relative calm can explode into a violent war with just a matter of words, stones, or the push of a button.  It is this knowledge that always keeps me aware of my situation.  Today that wariness became my worst nightmare come true. 

While I speak decent Hebrew at this point my comprehension is still quite bad.  Which is why I don’t read or watch the local news.  Apparently that is something that would have been very important today. 

As I sat clearing my inbox and watching internet TV as usual, I heard a horribly dreadful sound.  It sounded like a Siren screaming through Hurricane force winds, muffled but very, very distinct.  I knew what it was. 

It’s not like I never thought about it…. what would I do if I heard the rocket alarm?…   What would I grab?: phone, passport, teddy bear.   But when it happened all I could think of was “Get the hell in the bomb shelter!”  As I ran out of the room I saw my brother-in-law still laying on the couch watching TV.  I screamed… “That’s the rocket alarm!”  He smiled and said “No, no, no it’s just a test.  They told us on the news this morning.” 

At first I didn’t believe him but his non-reaction told me that mine was overkill.  I walked back into the bedroom and collapsed on the floor…  That scared the holy hell out of me!  I was still sitting on the floor a minute or two later when my BiL came in to check on me.  He laughed and said “you were really scared huh?”

Who the hell wouldn’t be?   He said it was no big deal that unless the alarm went off a second time… we were safe.

It is a relief to know that I don’t have to spend the rest of the day in a bomb shelter, but I really wish I understood Israeli News… 

What A Wonderful Day In The Neighborhood!

     What a wonderful way to spend the afternoon…  Everyone knows that the supermarket is the best way to meet new people and grow new friendships. 

NOT HERE!!

     How about we tell that to the nice man I met today in the grocery store.  In America when you are blocking someone’s way in the local Publix they either wait patiently for you to move or make you aware of their presence and politely excuse themselves.  Today in Israel… an older man decided the best way to get me to move would be to repeatedly smash the front of his shopping cart against mine until I moved.  I did move my cart but a curtly replied (in English which i doubt he understood) “a simple excuse me would have done just fine.”

     When he didn’t reply I angrily mumbled under my breath about how utterly RUDE Israelis were.  I truly believe they are courteously challenged.  I rarely ever meet an Israeli who is the exception to the rule… My own husband included.  WOW  It’s something I just can’t get used to.

 

Thanks to my Mom and Dad (and Aunt Barb, lol) for teaching me proper manners and etiquette both in and out of public.